Increased fiber intake could contribute to lower blood pressure

A study of more than 2000 men and women published in the British Journal of Nutrition in July 2015 concluded that increased intakes of fiber, both soluble and insoluble but in particular insoluble fiber, may contribute to lower blood pressure.

Chia is a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, so we ask Have you had your chia today?®

Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake.

Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake: Researchers Say, as reported by Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn+ , 04-Sep-2015

Flaxseed intake during lactation should be limited as it may change maternal adrenal function, research in rats has suggested.

Link to her article: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Lactating-women-should-restrict-flaxseed-intake-Researchers

This research was just reported in the British Journal of Nutrition. Link to abstract: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9942682

What can we take away from this?

Flaxseed has been shown to have several issues, particularly in lactating and pregnant women, and young children as well.  This has not been the case for chia, so make the switch to chia, should you now be consuming flaxseed.

azCHIA says: Have you had your chia today?®

Pregnant women typically do not get enough omega3

A recent report from the University of Alberta in Canada says that only 27% of pregnant women get enough omega3, and then only 25% consume enough omega3 at 3 months postpartum.

This is a serious concern. Omega3 during pregnancy is important for eye and brain development in the fetus, and postpartum women need sufficient omega3 for their recovery.

So what can be done? Yes there are marine sources of omega3, but contaminants are a concern and consequently these should be consumed in limited amounts.

A plant based source of omega3, like chia, is the solution. Not only is contamination a non-issue, it is a sustainable supply of omeg3.


So azChia says:  Have you had your chia today? ®

#pregnancy #omega3 #health

Soy and Breast Cancer - be cautious when eating soy

Cancer Treatment Centers of America has made the following statements regarding soy and breast cancer:
The debate arises over a component in soy called isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. For years, researchers have speculated about the safety of plant estrogens in women at risk for, or with a history of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.

A recent study revealed that soy protein supplements may affect genes in a way that is not good for women with breast cancer.

Interestingly, they say for men with prostate cancer, the isoflavones in soy may be beneficial,.


The Mayo Clinic says:
Soy should be used cautiously in people with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer, or hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis.
So bottom line, why take a risk. Stay away as much as possible and eat chia to get your fiber and protein.


azChia says: Have you had your chia today?®

#soy #breast cancer

Eating too much tuna can be a problem

In the June issue of consumer reports there is an article about the levels of mercury in tuna, given the fact that the FDA is now debating the limits people should consume. The article suggests limiting canned albacore tuna to no more than 4.5 oz per week, canned light tuna to 13.5 oz per week. It also notes that Ahi tuna (both yellowfin and bigeye) which are frequently used in sushi is high in mercury, and hence should be avoided, while other types of tuna should be limited based on the type. In particular, pregnant women should avoid tuna altogether. Another concern is orange roughy and marlin should be avoided for the most vulnerable groups.

So to get your omega3s and eliminate the worry about mercury contamination, eat chia.

AZChia says GOT CHIA?

#tuna #omega3 

Omega-3 fatty acids may help fight prostate cancer - new findings

A new study conducted by Washington State University which was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in February 2015 found that omega3 fatty acids provide a novel mechanism for the suppression of cancer cell proliferation and in essence inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. This finding challenges a 2013 study which claimed omega3s increase the risk of prostrate cancer. These results are very encouraging but the researchers caution that although promising, more research on dosage required is needed to confirm the efficacy of such a treatment. #prostate #cancer

How important is fiber in our diets? - Chia Seed is a great source

A study just published in BMC Public Health Journal reported that if Americans would increase the fiber in their diets, health costs would decrease significantly.  The authors stated that "Accumulating evidence indicates that greater dietary fiber intakes reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, weight gain, obesity and diverticular disease as well as functional constipation.  The authors estimate that at least a $2 billion savings in health care costs could be achieved among adults with only a 3 g/day increase in fiber was undertaken by only 50% of the population.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and contain on average 34% dietary fiber of which 4% is soluble.

Given that chia seeds have been classified as a food by the FDA this means one can consume as much chia seed as one would like.  The only caveat is that if you are on a low fiber diet, increase your consumption of chia seeds slowly since loose bowels could result with a rapid increase.

Chia Seeds Nutrition Has Worked For Centuries

Chia was an important crop during pre-Columbian times until the discovery of America when cultivation decreased. From that time until the late 1990’s, only a small amount of chia was cultivated in its native Mexico. During pre-Columbian times, chia was one of four main crops the Aztecs and was a key component of their diets. The Aztecs grew chia, beans, amaranth and maize in a sort of primitive hydroponics system to produce the nutritious crops that contained the nutrition which meets that of the ideal diet today.

Chia seed nutritional aspects were observed more than 500 years ago by the Aztecs, even without the kind of research that is used today to evaluate the benefits of various foods in the diet. Today, modern science has determined that these pre-Columbian diets were better than those eaten today. Although the natural food was forced into obscurity, chia seeds nutrition and ease of use has brought it to the forefront again. Chia offers an easy way to add omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein and dietary fiber to the diet. Thanks to the efforts of the Northwestern Argentina Regional Project in initiating a chia research and development program, new production areas and the development of commercial production practices have led to the introduction of chia as a commercially available food. Its composition and nutritional values has positioned chia to be a key player in the future for use in both human food and animal feed.

Basic Chia Seeds Nutritional Info

All of the chia seed that you will find at AZChia is packed full of nutrients including protein, fiber, omega 3 and antioxidants. For many people who are considering buying chia for the first time, distinguishing between whole black, whole white and milled black seed can be confusing. While these three types, or forms, of chia seed are essentially the same, some people prefer one over the other. For example, if children object to seeds, it is easier to “hide” the milled form from their eyes.  In actuality, the location where the seeds are grown makes a greater difference in seed nutritional composition, due to climatic differences, than does the color. If anything, black seeds as with dark fruits, contain slightly more antioxidants.

AZChia offers a chart that shows chia seeds nutritional info for the black and white seeds grown in various locations, and in different countries. As for the milled black seeds, these are often used in baking recipes and smoothies if one does not like the crunch of the whole seeds. All three forms of chia available from AZChia offer similar health benefits and are quality products that will provide the optimum nutritional benefits that can be obtained from this nutritious food.

How to Make Your Own Recipes for Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a versatile food that adds omega3 fatty acids, protein, fiber and antioxidants to your diet. In addition to being able to sprinkle the seeds directly onto a wide range of foods to take advantage of these benefits, there are also numerous ways to enjoy chia seeds in recipes that can improve a healthy diet even more. You will find over 100 recipes at AZChia that tell you how to introduce chia into all types of recipes so as to add the nutrients that chia contains, and also provides tips for using chia as a substitute for ingredients that are not as healthy such as eggs and saturated fats. The result is a greater diversity of healthy foods and delicious tastes that suit almost anyone.

One example of an easy chia seed recipe  is to use a brownie mix that calls for 2 or 3 eggs. Instead, use three egg whites with 3 teaspoons of whole chia seeds. Other than increasing the liquid used and cooking time by a few minutes, the recipe is prepared in the same way as one would normally do it. This gives you the option to use a low cost brownie mix or any other kind of packaged baking treat as a healthy snack that doesn’t have the whole egg or oil added to it, which adds cholesterol or unhealthy fats to your diet. With so many choices available as to how you use chia seeds, there is no reason that everyone cannot get the added nutrition that makes chia the world’s healthiest whole food.